Relax! Let Go Of Stress With Weekly Yoga

As a freshman college student, I know as much as the next person how stressful life can be. There are countless times when I just can't wait for the weekend to not worry about classes and homework for a day or two. With running around to classes, doing homework, and being especially stressed out now because of midterm exams, it is easy to let stress get the best of you. This semester, I started going to the Yoga for Relaxation classes in the Davis Common Room on campus. The class is free, and it is a drop-in format, meaning everyone is welcome to come at any point during the semester. So if you haven't started, but you'd like to try, you're welcome to come to class! Every Friday from 3:15 to 4:15, I go with my two best friends to this yoga class. Since it's on Fridays in the afternoon, I can let go of all the stress that has accumulated in the past week from school, and focus on relaxing over the weekend. I feel so much more relaxed and focused when I finish doing yoga. There are so many benefits to this activity, such as increased flexibility, muscle toning, and lubrication of muscles and joints. So next time you're feeling stressed out, look forward to Friday afternoon like I do! Remember, you can join this class at anytime! Good Luck! :)

For more information on yoga, visit http://www.healthandyoga.com/

Pilates: A Dorm Room Workout!

Last weekend, my roommate, who also happens to be my best friend from home, came back from the mall with a little surprise. While at Border's, she bought a Pilates DVD. This "Core Fusion" workout was put together by Elisabeth Halfpapp and Fred DeVito, two founding members of the mind/body spa Exhale,which has many locations around the United States. I had never done Pilates before, and was excited to try it. Personally, I think it is the perfect workout for college students who don't have the motivation, time, or confidence to go to a fitness center. In our dorm room in Courtney Hall, we did all five of the ten minute workouts provided on the DVD. It was harder than we expected, and our abdominal muscles were definitely sore the next day, but it was well worth it. It was inexpensive, and takes less than an hour to complete. Pilates incorporates the poses and relaxation techniques of yoga, along with exercises to strengthen the core muscles. I would absolutely recommend this DVD to anyone who is looking for a new type of workout!

Being Healthy In College

As a very busy college freshman, I completely understand how hard it can be to balance classes, work schedules, and relationships, not to mention eating healthy and getting enough exercise. Still, as young adults, college students need to remember to eat healthy while away at school. Although it may be easier to skip meals because of your busy schedule,eating three meals a day along with little snacks throughout is very important. With this type of diet, your brain stays active and you will feel more energized. Make time for exercise, too. Endorphins released during physical activity will make you feel better when you're not having such a good day. As obvious as it may seem, following the Food Pyramid is also very important, and all of the food groups should be incorporated into your diet. If you find yourself hungry between meals, try keeping nutritious foods in your dorm room to snack on, such as fruit, nuts, granola bars, and yogurt. Keep checking back for easy tips and healthy ideas to try!